Operation Just Cause... ...for as long as it takes
Book Reviews by Gunny Fallon
I had planned to post a review of Robin Higgins' book, Patriot Dreams, on my site "The Meadow" but time has not been generous with me and to do a rush job now would not do the book justice. The book is the story of how she coped with life after her husband (Colonel Rich Higgins - USMC) was kidnapped by Islamic militants.
I read Patriot Dreams three times. The first time I speed read it because I was interested in gleaning as much data as I could from it. Speed reading it was difficult because several times I found myself stopping and going back over passages because of the emotional impact.
The second time I read it was during the latter days of Ted's illness. I read it slowly this time because I found myself drawing tremendous strength from Robin's descriptions of her personal ordeal...not knowing where Rich was or if he was even still alive.
The third time I read it was while I sat at Betsy's bedside in the hospital. Not knowing whether or not I would ever take her home again was the worst experience of my life. Once again I found myself drawing strength from Robin's telling of her own story.
But Patriot Dreams is much more than an inspirational work. It is a true eye opener for anyone who can't believe that our government would abandon a courageous hero for diplomatic reasons. This book is of special value to anyone interested in the POW issue. I highly recommend it and I recommend getting a copy without delay. There is important POW legislation pending in the house right now and reading Patriot Dreams is certain to give anyone reason to contact their elected officials and tell them how important this issue is.
And Robin, if you read this, thanks again for everything... You definitely helped me through two of the toughest times in my life. (Patriot
Dreams can be ordered directly from the publisher at the following website
"Patriot Dreams" by LTCol Robin Higgins
Another book I just can't say enough about is Jay Veith's "Code Name: Bright Light". I first picked up a copy of Jay's book almost two years ago.
I made the mistake of using it primarily as a reference work. It is very comprehensive, well researched, well written and brilliantly indexed. Every serious POW researcher should have a copy of it in their library. You'll find yourself referring back to it on a regular basis. But don't make the mistake of using it only as a reference work. It is also an excellent read. Get it. Start from the introduction and read it all the way through. You won't be sorry.
I have had the pleasure of reading some of Jay's other work before he published it and rarely have I come across any writer as dedicated to presenting the truth without editorializing. Most non-fiction writers have tremendous egos. If Jay has one, it doesn't come through in "Code Name: Bright Light"
"Code Name: Bright Light" is available in both hardcover and paperback from Amazon.com. It is one of the most valuable research tools you will find. I consider him one of the two most skilled and experienced researchers in the country...and I don't know who the other one is...
Jay has been a supportive friend of OJC for a long time. I personally value his friendship as I know Ted Guy did. We are very fortunate to have him on our side...
